Litigation Staff Attorney II

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

Pension plan

Deferred compensation

Paid sick days

Vacation days

Personal days

Paid state holidays

Job summary

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission in Chicago seeks a litigation-focused Technical Advisor II to defend mental health commitment and treatment cases. Responsibilities include drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research.

The role requires regular attendance at hearings and trials (Zoom and in-person), with strong proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, and case management software.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized law school (JD).
• Valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Experience in defending mental health commitments is a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions and legal documents for hearings and trials.
• Review medical records and prepare clients for hearings.
• Interview witnesses and coordinate with experts and service providers.
• Conduct legal research and prepare detailed findings and reports.

Skills

Legal research

Public speaking

Trial experience

Client interviewing

Zoom/WebEx

Microsoft Word

Excel

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Zoom

WebEx

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58699
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 09/25/2026
Agency: Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Class Title: TECHNICAL ADVISOR II - 45252
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 monthly; Full range $6,820-$9,875
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 160 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Position Overview:

This is a litigation-focused role defending mental health commitment and treatment cases. Key responsibilities include drafting motions, reviewing medical records, preparing clients, interviewing witnesses, and conducting legal research. The position requires regular attendance at hearings, trials (via Zoom and in-person), and case management dockets. Proficiency with Zoom (including using exhibits), Microsoft Office, and case management software is essential.

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid Parental leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
• (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
• Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
• (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger - something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule - flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Performs direct client services arising from defending mental health commitment and treatment cases in a litigation forward position.
• Explains legal rights to eligible disabled or mental health clients, via telephone, Zoom or in person at mental health facilities.
• Coordinates and disseminates information to service providers, community groups, professional associations and recipients of mental health services concerning legal representation for individuals with disabilities.
• Manages mental health appellate briefs. Conducts technical research, compiling data, and drafting detailed findings.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years’ experience as lead counsel in bench and/or jury trials providing direct client representation and services.
• Four (4) years of experience in drafting written arguments in support of and/or opposition to petitions and motions.
• Two (2) years of experience researching, interpreting, analyzing and applying relevant administrative law, statutes, regulations, and/or case law in matters at the administrative, trial and/or appellate levels.
• Four (4) years of advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Lexis Nexus, Westlaw or other legal research platforms, Zoom, and WebEx.
• Three (3) years of experience preparing for and conducting hearings and/or trials, including presenting argument at motion hearings; interpreting applicable rules, regulations, statutes, and case law; and developing or recommending solutions to administrative and/or legal issues.
• Three (3) years’ experience in technical research and writing detailed reports.
• Two (2) years reviewing medical records, interviewing and preparing witnesses for trial, interviewing expert witnesses, interviewing lay witnesses.
• Two (2) years in public speaking and educational training, including, coordinating and disseminating of information to service providers, community groups, and professional associations concerning legal representation of persons with disabilities and or recipients of mental health services.
• T wo (2) years experience in preparing for and conducting trials on a weekly basis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the enhanced ability to adjust the level of communication to the target audience.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. A board of 11 commissioners, who serve without compensation, govern the agency. The Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complaints of rights violations, and providing state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities, the Commission has given a voice to those who have previously gone unheard.

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).